S Poddar
According to reports, John Torode, the long-time co-presenter of MasterChef, complained to the production company behind the show about Gregg Wallace’s behavior but was allegedly told to drop it. Wallace, 60, recently quit hosting duties amid historical allegations of misconduct and fresh claims of harassment, which he denies through his lawyers.
The allegations include inappropriate physical contact at events and on sets of other shows. Wallace’s lawyers maintain the accusations are “entirely false” and categorically deny any behavior of a sexually harassing nature. Despite this, the controversy has cast a shadow over the cooking competition and its long-standing duo of hosts.
John Torode’s Response to Accusations
Speaking after he heard about the allegations, Torode commented: “I am absolutely horrified to consider that somebody involved with the show might have experienced something like that. He didn’t complain in writing but, according to insiders, raised concerns through Banijay UK on the inappropriate comments and behavior of Wallace.
A source said, “John isn’t the kind of guy to turn a blind eye to such things. He has made his feelings known several times, how uncomfortable he was with Gregg’s behavior and comments. But it appears that his complaints were handled in a very informal manner and never became formal complaints.”
The source further added, “John feels that the production team was more interested in maintaining the MasterChef brand than dealing with these issues, and that left him frustrated and conflicted.”
A Professional Partnership Under Strain
Torode and Wallace have co-hosted MasterChef since 2005, working together for nearly two decades. Despite their professional collaboration, Torode has previously stated they were never close off-screen. In a 2017 interview, he remarked bluntly, “We’ve never been friends,” underscoring the purely professional nature of their relationship.
As the situation worsened, Wallace stopped following Torode and his wife, Lisa Faulkner, on Instagram. According to insiders, this decision was considered “petty” because it was supposedly motivated by Wallace’s anger over Torode not speaking up about the issue. An insider said, “Gregg is quite upset with John’s failure to come out in his defense publicly. Though the two have always been friends, Gregg thought John would take his side somehow.”
Torode Reacts to Fallout
In reaction to the escalating controversy, Torode ended his silence and declared, “I truly wanted to deliver a great experience for everyone to enjoy on the show.” Then, he added that the thought that people connected with the MasterChef show have had any form of negative experience is devastating.
In a response to the problem, Torode stated that he is supporting the ongoing investigation, and that is where the issue should be dealt with. He said, “Since last Friday, I’ve been away filming MasterChef overseas. I love this show and take great pride in making it the best it can be for everyone involved. However, as there is an active investigation, I cannot comment further at this time. I hope people will respect my silence as the process unfolds.”
Fallout and Next Steps Fallout
It’s not just the reputation of the show, but close ones to the scandal too that have been shaken up. Sources report that Torode and his wife might seek the expertise of a PR consultant to help deal with fallout.
“John and Lisa are crushed by the implications of these charges,” another source said. “They wish their reputations remain unscathed as they disassociate with the scandal while still finding ways to be involved with television.”
Wallace, on the other hand, denies all of the charges, claiming his innocence. Reviews for the allegations are still being done with no definite results at present.
Long-Running Issues
The relationship between Torode and Wallace has always been a subject of speculation. While they had seemed to work seamlessly on-screen, their off-screen relationship has been described as chancy. Looking at their years working together, Torode’s past remark fits the model that they kept their ties professional.
With this episode, the investigation should continue in the way of making sure everything is transparent and accountable. Fans can’t wait to know how the show and its hosts will come out of this difficult chapter.
